Justinian II & Empress Sophia | Byzantine Half Follis (565–578 AD)
Weight: 6.71 g  Diameter: 23 mm  Metal: Bronze (Æ)
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🪙 Coin Description
This Byzantine Half Follis was struck during the joint reign of Emperor Justin II and Empress Sophia, between 565 and 578 AD, a pivotal period in early medieval history.
Unlike most ancient coins, this issue prominently features both the emperor and the empress, a rare and powerful statement of shared imperial authority.
Obverse:
Facing busts of Justin II and Empress Sophia, seated side by side on a throne. The emperor holds a globus cruciger, symbolizing Christian rulership over the world, while Sophia is depicted with equal dignity, emphasizing her exceptional political role.
Reverse:
A large denomination mark indicating the Half Follis, framed by inscriptions and symbols reflecting the administrative and monetary reforms of the Byzantine Empire.
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👑 Why This Coin Is Exceptional
This coin is remarkable for several reasons:
•It is one of the earliest coins in history to depict an empress alongside the emperor, underscoring Sophia’s unprecedented influence.
•Empress Sophia was not merely a consort, but an active political figure who participated directly in governance, diplomacy, and state affairs.
•The design visually communicates the concept of imperial partnership, rare in ancient and medieval coinage.
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🏛 Historical Context
Justin II, nephew and successor of Justinian I, inherited an empire at its territorial height but faced immense internal and external pressures. His reign marked the beginning of a more turbulent era for Byzantium.
Empress Sophia, however, emerged as a stabilizing force. She negotiated with foreign powers, managed court politics, and even acted as regent during periods of Justin II’s illness. Her presence on coinage reflects her real authority, not merely ceremonial status.
Coins like this circulated widely among the population, meaning ordinary people regularly handled an object depicting both rulers, reinforcing the legitimacy of their joint rule.
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⭐ Why This Coin Matters Today
•One of the earliest representations of a reigning empress on coinage
•A rare example of gender and power dynamics in Byzantine history
•Tangible evidence of how imperial authority was communicated through money
•An evocative artifact from a formative period of medieval Europe
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This Half Follis is far more than a bronze coin — it is a historical document in metal, capturing a moment when imperial power was consciously shared and publicly displayed.